FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lil Durk, the Grammy-winning rapper, was apprehended in Florida due to federal allegations related to a supposed murder-for-hire plot linked to the attempted killing of rapper Quando Rondo in 2022. This incident occurred at a gas station in Los Angeles and culminated in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson.
The 32-year-old artist, whose birth name is Durk Banks, faces charges for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in connection with Robinson’s death, which transpired on August 19, 2022, according to an affidavit from the FBI released on Friday.
Additionally, five other individuals affiliated with Durk’s Chicago-based rap group, “Only the Family” (OTF), have also been arrested, and legal documents suggest more arrests could occur soon. The FBI reported that Durk was taken into custody Thursday night in South Florida as he attempted to leave the country.
Earlier this year, Durk won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his collaboration with J. Cole on the song “All My Life.” He has received three nominations overall and had a notable performance on Drake’s track “Laugh Now Cry Later.”
FBI Agent Sarah Corcoran asserts in the affidavit that OTF members are involved in violent acts, including murder and assault, under Durk’s direction, indicating a pattern of behavior aimed at preserving their standing within the collective.
Durk’s representatives did not respond immediately to requests for comments concerning the situation.
The affidavit and other records detail that the shooting is linked to the November 2020 death of OTF member King Von, who was 26 at the time of his fatal shooting during a confrontation with Rondo in an Atlanta nightclub. During that incident, a friend of Rondo’s fired multiple shots at Von, resulting in his death. King Von, born Dayvon Bennett, had a couple of popular tracks, including “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O.”
According to authorities, Durk allegedly expressed intentions to offer a “bounty” for Rondo’s life, with Rondo’s legal name being Tyquian Bowman. The conspiracy reportedly gained momentum almost two years later.
On August 18, 2022, it was revealed that Rondo was at a hotel in Los Angeles. Members of Durk’s group, identified as Deandre Wilson, Keith Jones, David Lindsey, Asa Houston, along with one unnamed accomplice, traveled from Chicago to San Diego before driving to LA with financial support from Durk. An FBI affidavit notes that Durk sent a message cautioning his associates not to book flights under any names connected to him.
Video evidence purportedly confirms that Durk was at a residence in the San Fernando Valley on the same day. After arriving, the group met an influential OTF associate named Kayon Grant, who arrived via private jet. Grant assisted in getting hotel accommodations, buying ski masks, and acquiring luxury vehicles for the members. Additionally, he allegedly supplied firearms, including one altered to function as a fully automatic weapon, to Jones, Lindsey, and another unnamed men.
The following day, the group reportedly tracked Rondo and Robinson, accompanying them to various locations, including a marijuana dispensary, a clothing store, and a gas station near the Beverly Center.
At the gas station, Houston positioned his vehicle in anticipation of an attack on Rondo, allowing Jones, Lindsey, and the unnamed defendant to make their move. Upon approach, they opened fire, resulting in Robinson’s death while missing Rondo. Subsequently, the suspects went to an In-N-Out burger restaurant, where they allegedly discussed compensation with Grant before returning to Chicago via San Diego. Wilson is said to have later paid Jones and Lindsey an undisclosed sum.
Following their arrests in Chicago on similar conspiracy charges, Grant, Jones, Lindsey, Wilson, and Houston were detained without disclosed legal representation in court records. After their capture, it became evident that Durk had booked two flights from South Florida, destined for Dubai and Switzerland. He then arranged a private flight to Italy but was intercepted in Miami before boarding that flight.
Currently, Durk and the others are being held pending their transfer to Los Angeles.
